“…(Jesus)…was led by the Spirit in  the wilderness…”  (St. Luke 4:1b)

It couldn’t be as bad as we might think, this “wilderness.”  Our immediate thoughts of such a place is somewhere where nothing grows—just a lot of barrenness, arid and, simply put. not too comfortable.  Unless you have prepared yourself for such an excursion, food and water are going to be scarce!  It can be hot in the daytime and cold in the night.  I’m not the “outdoorsy” type, so I would fail miserably at having a good time!

But look at the verse above.  Jesus, after His baptism, was led by the Spirit in the wilderness; God was with Him the whole way through, and, if the Spirit led Him there, it could actually be a good place to be!

When you think about it, the wilderness is filled with creation’s wonder:  flowers,  plants, streams, and a type of “oasis” every once in a while.  The sky at night – far away from the cities and towns where light was probably scarce but present – stands out every night that it doesn’t rain – the majesty of God’s creative hand at full view.  Not too shabby!

Often when we feel devoid of God’s graces, we think somehow we have jettisoned into the “wilderness” of this life.  We feel like we’re lost on an island alone.  We’re thirsty and like the famous quote from S.T. Coleridge’s “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” –

“Water, water, every where,

And all the boards did shrink;

Water, water, every where,

Nor any drop to drink.”

In our thirst – when we feel “left out” by God – we also feel that we are surrounded by what we need the most but it cannot begin to quinch that human thirst that we seem to have.  How frustrating is that?

All throughout the Scripture for Sunday, (Luke 4:1-13) Jesus points to the deepest need for all our ills, thirsts and hungers:  God.  Immaculate empires, great societies, all-encompassing power, and yes, the most basic foods cannot come close to what God can give us!  His Word feeds, comforts, calms, guides,  and strengthens us against every temptation we will ever face.   This is most certainly true.

As Lent has begun, what better time to pick up God’s Word and read it.  Read it by volume or read it by verse, but read it.  You won’t regret it.  Where to start?  With Lent, start with the Gospel of Luke.  Let it carry you the next six weeks (24 chapters) that will lead up to the Crucifixion and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus!  What a powerful Lent it will make!

Be led by the very same Spirit that offered guidance and support to the Lord so long ago.  The key is reading.  Read the Word.  Ponder it, and, be amazed by it!  Let God lead the way through this beautiful season.  (Lent beautiful?  If the wilderness can be beautiful, why can’t Lent?)  Blessed journey!

God loves you and so do I!

Pastor Jim